What is a clinical neuropsychologist?

A clinical neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist who has specialized training in how brain functions affect behavior. In order to work as a clinical neuropsychologist, a psychologist should undergo two years of specialized postdoctoral training meeting specific requirements. 

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is an examination of a person's cognitive abilities, emotional symptoms, and personality characteristics through several data collection methods. The first is a review of a patient's relevant medical records. The second is a diagnostic interview with the patient and collateral informants (e.g., family members, caregivers) who can speak knowledgeably about the patient's history and condition. The third is administration of psychometrically sound tests that can measure patient's cognitive abilities in various domains (e.g., attention, verbal memory, executive functioning) as well as a patient's emotional symptoms.

How long does it take?

The length of the evaluation depends on the complexity of the patient's presenting problem. Some can be completed in two to three hours, while others may take as many as six or seven hours. Occasionally testing will be divided across multiple days in order to alleviate fatigue. In most instances a feedback session is scheduled one to two weeks after testing.

What do the test scores mean?

The scores on neuropsychological tests are used to make comparisons to normative expectations based on the patient's demographics (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity) and educational history. Although everyone has some individual variability in their cognitive strengths and weaknesses, certain patterns of abilities correspond with particular disease or injury processes. Examination of a person's profile of scores reveals strengths and weaknesses, including potential areas of impairment, which inform both diagnosis and treatment recommendations.